Fa’apale starts at first five, Manu makes three changes for Germany

Taula Eels flyhalf Patrick Fa’apale will start at number 10 for the Manu Samoa’s second Rugby World Cup qualifying game against Germany on Sunday morning (Samoan time).

He is among three changes the Manu Samoa head coach Fuimaono T. Tafua has made to his side that beat the Germans on Samoan soil a week ago.

Piula Fa’asalele has been ruled out due to an injury sustained in the previous match while Josh Tyrell was injured during training last Thursday-5-July at Surrey Guildford Park.

Another change is Alapati Leiua who has been relieved from duty due to family commitments.

For Fa'apale, he will be looking at repeating his last performance and hopes to provide a solid platform for his backline.

Another promising prospect who will make his debut off the bench is Ionatana Tino, who is a former rugby league player and plays halfback for his Taula Eels Franchise in the Bluesky Super 9 rugby championships.

Tino played for Samoa A last year and is looking forward to the game this weekend.

Patrick Fa’apale. Photo/Misiona Simo

“I can’t wait to go out there and do my best for my country. This blue jersey means a lot to me and rubbing shoulders with some of the top athletes in this arena is surreal”. Ionatana Tino - Manu Samoa halfback.

Lemalu Tusi Pisi will now cover the inside centre with Paul Perez covering the outside channel.

Captain Tupa'i Chris Vui will look after the blindside flank with Brandon Nansen replacing Josh Tyrell in the locks.